Decoding Cardiometabolic Diseases: From Basic Sciences to Translational Medicine
Abstract
In both Chile and Sweden, cardiometabolic diseases account for over 20% of all deaths annually, representing the greatest burden on our society and public health systems. Although many of the risk factors associated with these diseases are well recognized, there is an urgent need to study prevention, diagnostic, and treatment strategies based on the underlying molecular mechanisms of these disease groups. This is essential to effectively address the most significant healthcare challenge of our time. To date, joint efforts to understand and treat cardiometabolic diseases as a whole—from prevention to actionable treatments—remain relatively underrepresented and poorly funded, highlighting the need for multidisciplinary research teams to develop strategies for understanding why so many people die from preventable conditions. It is estimated that by 2030, the annual mortality associated with these diseases will exceed 23 million people, surpassing other global causes of death, including cancer. Thus, the primary objective is to create an effective research network within the ACCESS collaboration, with the aim of studying prevention, diagnostic, and treatment strategies based on the underlying molecular mechanisms of these diseases. To achieve this goal, a transdisciplinary approach will be needed—building on strong research initiatives within areas such as basic and clinical sciences. Strategic collaboration with industrial partners will also be crucial in stimulating the innovative process toward new therapies. We expect that joint research efforts and interdisciplinary collaborations will be key to overcoming many of these challenges.
Key word: Cardio
EXPECTATIONS FOR PARTICIPANTS
Although many of the risk factors associated with cardiometabolic diseases are well recognized, there is an urgent need to study prevention, diagnostic, and treatment strategies based on the underlying molecular mechanisms of these diseases. This is essential to effectively address the most significant healthcare challenge of our time. To date, joint efforts to understand and treat cardiometabolic diseases as a whole—from prevention to actionable treatments—remain relatively underrepresented and poorly funded.
In this context, multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches emerge as crucial tools for addressing the complex health challenges faced by our countries. The ability to integrate diverse fields of knowledge to tackle a problem from multiple perspectives not only enriches our understanding but also enhances our solutions.
Luis Antonio Salazar, Universidad de la Frontera
Dr. Luis Antonio Salazar is currently a Full Professor in the Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, at Universidad de La Frontera, Chile, where he leads the Center of Molecular Biology and Pharmacogenetics. He earned his PhD in Pharmacy with a focus on Clinical Analysis from the University of São Paulo (Brazil), followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at the same institution.
Dr. Salazar has over 30 years of experience in clinical biochemistry and applied molecular biology, with a focus on the influence of genetic and epigenetic factors on the risk of cardiometabolic diseases and lipid-lowering response. His research has made significant contributions to the field of pharmacogenomics, particularly regarding the molecular factors that influence lipid-lowering responses to statins. Currently, Dr. Salazar is investigating the role of non-coding RNAs in the relationship between arterial hypertension and periodontitis.
Luis Rodrigo Cataldo, Lund University
Dr. Luis Rodrigo Cataldo is an Associate Biomedical Researcher at the Lund University Diabetes Center and an affiliated researcher at the Novo Nordisk Center for Basic Metabolic Research (CBMR) at the University of Copenhagen. His research focuses on metabolic regulation, specifically on pancreatic beta cell mitochondrial function and its implications for metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes.
Dr. Cataldo holds a PhD in Biomedical Sciences and has extensive postdoctoral international experience at institutions like Lund University and the University of Copenhagen. He has pioneered interdisciplinary approaches that integrate genetics, metabolomics, and gene manipulation to better understand the metabolic regulation of insulin secretion and mitochondrial function.
Currently, Dr. Cataldo is developing novel research strategies to investigate the metabolic roles of type 2 diabetes candidate proteins in the regulation of human pancreatic islets, contributing to high-impact publications and advancing our understanding of metabolic disease mechanisms.
CONTACT US:
Luis Antonio: luis.salazar@ufrontera.cl
Luis Rodrigo: rodrigo.cataldo@med.lu.se